Injured cat 'who survived against all odds' seeks home

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Animal care officials on the Peninsula are seeking a home for a special cat they say defied the odds, making an unexpected recovery after being struck by a car.

The cat was found on the side of the road in Daly City back in February, according to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA).

"The cat was in shock, had a broken jaw and was bleeding from his mouth," explained PHS/SCPA spokeswoman Buffy Martin Tarbox. "He was in such bad shape, we didn't expect him to survive, but with our dedicated and specialized care he did."

Veterinarians performed surgery to wire the cat's jaw shut, and they inserted a feeding tube. The cat also had to undergo treatment to its right eye which was injured when he was struck. 

No one ever came forward to claim the animal, which the SPCA staff decided to name Toa, a name that means warrior in Maori.

"Even though the cat was suffering from life-threatening and painful injuries, he would still purr and knead," Tarbox said.

Toa was placed in foster care to allow him to continue to get stronger. Once he fully recovered, he was brought to the PHS/SPCA adoption center, where workers now hope to find him a loving home. 

"Although Toa looks like a battle scarred cat, he is very sweet  and friendly, " Tarbox said. "He's been through a lot and we want to find him a new home where he will be safe and loved," she added. 

Toa is estimated to be about two years old. He's been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. The fee to adopt him is $80. The SPCA invites anyone interested in giving Toa a home to visit PHS/SPCA at 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame.